Operation to tackle organised immigration crime

Officers have continued their engagement work with lorry drivers as they highlight the dangers of organised immigration crime.

Police officers worked with the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency to speak to lorry drivers who were using the M1 as part of their week of action tackling serious and organised crime.

Men, women and children of all ages and backgrounds can fall victim to organised immigration crime and officers spent time talking to lorry drivers about the dangers of the crime and what they can do if they have concerns.

DCI Nick Cobley, said: “We targeted lorries that had travelled into the country and were using our road networks, checking vehicles and speaking to the drivers about the risks associated with immigration crime.

“When we talk about people smuggling, we are talking about organised crime groups who are organising human trafficking and taking vast amounts of money from people.

“Locations such as this are places where lorry drivers may see suspicious activity or people getting out of lorries and we urge them to report those incidents to us.”

Anyone with concerns about organised immigration crime can call police on 999 if a crime is taking place, 101 if it’s not an emergency or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

 

Spotting the signs of modern slavery:

Victims may:

• not be in possession of their passports or other travel or identity documents, as those documents are being held by someone else
• be unable to leave their work environment
• be unable to move freely
• depend on their employer for work, transport, and accommodation without any choice
• be unable to communicate freely with others
• have no access to medical care
• be subjected to violence or threats of violence against themselves or against their family members and loved ones
• allow others to speak for them when addressed directly
• be unable to choose when or where they work
• work excessively long hours over long periods
• not be dressed adequately for the work they do for example, they may lack protective equipment or warm clothing
• live in poor or substandard accommodation
• live in degrading, unsuitable places, such as agricultural or industrial buildings
• have wages paid into an account used by other people
• suffer injuries that appear to be the result of an assault
• have injuries that appear old, untreated or that they cannot explain
• wear the same clothes each day

 

Details of other agencies that can provide support and advice:

 

The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority works in partnership to protect vulnerable and exploited workers. 

Call 0800 432 0804
Free, confidential reporting line (some mobile providers may charge)

email: [email protected]

 

 

Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline - Information and support
Telephone: 08000 121 700 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
www.modernslaveryhelpline.org

 

Anti-Trafficking and Labour Exploitation Unit - Charity providing legal representation to victims of trafficking and labour exploitation.
Telephone: 020 7700 7311
www.atleu.org.uk